Will Real Madrid’s Caicedo start for Colombia in Panama World Cup warm-up?

Real Madrid’s Linda Caicedo is in line to start for Colombia today, as Las Cafeteras host Panama in their final home match before the 2023 Women’s World Cup, which kicks off next month.

More than 20,000 fans are expected in the Estadio Pascual Guerrero in Cali, for the second in a double-header of friendlies against the Panamanians. On Saturday, Nelson Abadía’s side were 2-0 winners in Panama City, thanks to goals by Catalina Usme and Daniela Montoya. The victory in the Panamanian capital took Colombia’s friendly record this calendar year to two wins, two draws and two defeats.

Colombia to leave for World Cup just over two weeks

Colombia are set to remain in Cali until 30 June, before travelling to the Colombian capital, Bogotá, to finalise their preparations ahead of their departure for Australia on 8 July. Once down under, the Colombians are scheduled to play two more warm-up fixtures - against the Republic of Ireland and China - before kicking off their World Cup campaign against South Korea on 24 July.

Appearing at the third World Cup in their history, Colombia have been drawn in Group H with the Koreans, Germany and Morocco. Abadía is to confirm his final, 23-player squad for the tournament before the team flies out.

Caicedo could well start against Panama

Having joined up with the Colombia squad on Monday, Caicedo is in contention to come into the South Americans’ line-up against Panama today. Atlético Madrid’s Leicy Santos, who also reported for international duty earlier this week, could also get game time today. However, Santos has recently recovered from a knee injury and will not be rushed back into action for Colombia.

Against Panama, Abadía is expected to again opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Mayra Ramírez spearheading the attack. Caicedo, Usme and Lady Andrade are in the frame to fill the line of three behind Ramírez, with Montoya and Lorena Bedoya anchoring the midfield. Carolina Arias, Daniela Arias, Jorelyn Carabalí and Manuela Vanegas are expected to be the hosts’ back four, with Catalina Pérez in goal.

“For us, these warm-up games help the team to gel, to feel comfortable out on the pitch,” Abadía told reporters ahead of today’s

clash in Cali. “This team has treated the fans to some great football and has shown just how much the women’s game has grown in this country.”

Possible Colombia XI against Panama:

Catalina Pérez; Carolina Arias, Daniela Arias, Jorelyn Carabalí, Manuela Vanegas; Lorena Bedoya, Daniela Montoya; Lady Andrade, Linda Caicedo, Catalina Usme and Mayra Ramírez.